Red light cameras are automated enforcement devices used in many states to film vehicles entering intersections after the light has turned red. They are intended to improve safety but often lead to confusion: did you actually get a ticket? What does the law say in your state? How much could you owe? This article explains how to tell if you've been ticketed, what red light camera laws look like across the U.S., what penalties (fines, insurance, points) might apply, and what your options are.
How Red Light Cameras Work
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They are triggered by sensors, pressure plates, or signals in the pavement when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light turns red.
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They take photos of the license plate and car, often paired with video.
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After review, a citation is mailed to the registered owner.
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These are usually civil or administrative infractions rather than criminal moving violations.
Because of that, penalties differ from state to state. Some impose points or insurance impacts, while others do not.
How to Know If You Got a Ticket
Here are the typical signs and how to check:
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Flash or camera trigger: If you saw a flash as you passed through, the camera likely fired.
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Mail delivery: Most tickets are mailed to the vehicle’s registered address within 1–3 weeks.
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Online lookup: Many states and cities allow drivers to check pending citations with license plate information.
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Contact local traffic court or DMV: They can confirm pending or unpaid citations.
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Check your driving record: In some states, camera tickets appear on your record, though many treat them separately.
State Laws: Where They Are Legal, Where They Are Not
Not all states permit red light cameras. Laws vary widely in terms of use, penalties, and whether violations affect driving records or insurance. Below are examples to help you understand what to expect.
Selected State Examples
| State | Are red light cameras permitted? | Typical Fine / Penalty | Points / Insurance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes, statewide | Base fine around $100, but with fees totals near $400 | 1 point added to license; can affect insurance |
| Colorado | Yes, statewide | $75 fine | Civil infraction, no points on license |
| Maryland | Yes, statewide | $75 fine in many cities | Civil infraction, no points, not on driving record |
| Georgia | Yes, statewide | Civil fines around $70–$170 | No points, generally not on record |
| Virginia | Yes, statewide | Penalties up to $50 | No points, not on driving record |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, statewide | Around $100 fine | Civil infraction, not a criminal offense |
States Where Red Light Cameras Are Prohibited or Restricted
Some states do not allow red light cameras at all. Others restrict them to certain jurisdictions. Examples of states that prohibit red light cameras include:
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Maine
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Mississippi
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Montana
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New Hampshire
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South Carolina
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Texas
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West Virginia
In these states, you are highly unlikely to receive a valid red light camera ticket.
What Penalties Usually Include
Depending on your state and city, a red light camera ticket might include:
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A fine: From $50 to over $400 depending on location.
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Administrative fees: Additional costs for processing and mailing.
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Points on your license: Some states add points, others treat tickets as civil violations only.
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Insurance impact: In states that classify tickets as moving violations, insurance premiums may rise.
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Registration issues: Unpaid tickets may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration.
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Hearing options: You can request a hearing to contest the ticket in most areas.
How Much Are the Fines? Real Examples
To give you a sense of scale, here are typical costs:
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California: About $400 after fees.
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Colorado Springs, CO: $75, no points.
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Laurel, Maryland: $75 flat fine.
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Baltimore, Maryland: $75 per infraction.
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Georgia: $70–$170 depending on city and late fees.
Do Red Light Camera Tickets Affect Insurance?
The impact depends on your state:
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In many states, tickets are treated as civil infractions and do not go on your driving record. Insurance companies usually do not see them.
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In some states like California, violations are recorded as moving violations, which can raise your insurance premiums.
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Always check local laws to confirm whether your ticket will appear on your record.
What To Do If You Believe You Got One
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Check your mail: Tickets are sent to the registered address of the vehicle.
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Review the evidence: Tickets often include photos and sometimes a video link.
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Know the deadline: You typically have 30 days to pay or contest.
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Request a hearing: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a court hearing.
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Verify state rules: Know whether the violation is civil or moving.
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Pay if you choose not to contest: Paying avoids late fees or registration holds.
Avoiding Future Red Light Camera Tickets
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Slow down when lights turn yellow instead of trying to beat the red.
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Watch for signs that indicate camera enforcement.
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Know the locations of camera-monitored intersections in your area.
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Keep your vehicle registration information updated so you don’t miss mailed notices.
Why Laws Vary So Much
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State vs. local authority: Some states authorize cameras but allow local governments to decide whether to use them.
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Civil vs. moving violations: Classification determines whether points and insurance impacts apply.
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Signage requirements: Some states require warning signs at intersections with cameras, others do not.
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Grace periods: Certain states allow a one-second grace period before issuing a citation.
Summary
If you suspect you may have received a red light camera ticket, the best way to confirm is to check your mail or your city’s traffic enforcement system. Fines vary widely depending on the state and can range from $50 to $400. In some states, tickets add points to your license and can affect your insurance, while in others they are treated strictly as civil penalties. Ignoring a citation can lead to higher costs or problems with your vehicle registration.
Conclusion
Red light camera tickets can be stressful because laws vary so much from state to state. Whether you actually received one depends on whether your state and city use red light cameras, how violations are classified, and whether you were recorded running the red. The key is to stay informed, review your mail and online records, and act quickly if you receive a notice. By understanding the process, you can avoid surprises and drive more cautiously at intersections.